Responding to the Competition and Markets Authority today
announcing it will launch a study into children’s social care
provision, Cllr , Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board,
said:
“As the impact of the
pandemic becomes clear, we anticipate increasing numbers of
children needing urgent help and it is vital we can give them the
homes and support they deserve. Understanding how the current
market affects this will help to make this happen. We are pleased
that this review draws on our earlier research and aims to
consider many of our concerns around the ‘market’ for children’s
social care provision and how this impacts on
children
“We are particularly pleased the review
will investigate high levels of profit making, which is
particularly apparent in fast-growing groups backed by private
equity or those on the stock market. Some of these groups also
have considerable debt levels, which should also be looked at. We
cannot risk a Southern Cross or Four Seasons situation in
children’s social care.
“This review will be a valuable
contribution to the independent review of children’s social care.
The two must consider how to support councils and independent
providers to deliver the homes our children in care need, how the
current market is impacting on children’s experiences, and how we
can make sure children get the support they need to
thrive.”
Notes to
editor
Profit making and
Risk in Independent Children’s Social Care Placement
Providers – LGA
report
